WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, making it a prime target for hackers and malicious actors. As a WordPress site owner, understanding and implementing basic security measures is crucial to protecting your website, your data, and your visitors.
Key Insight: Most WordPress hacks are not sophisticated attacks but rather exploitations of common vulnerabilities that could easily be prevented with basic security practices.
Keep Everything Updated
The single most important security measure you can take is keeping WordPress, your themes, and plugins up to date. Updates often contain security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
- WordPress Core: Enable automatic updates for minor releases, and update major versions promptly after testing.
- Plugins: Only use plugins from reputable sources, and remove any you're not actively using.
- Themes: Keep your active theme updated and delete unused themes entirely.
Use Strong Authentication
Weak passwords and poor authentication practices are among the leading causes of WordPress compromises. Read our guide on maintaining strong and unique passwords for more detailed advice on password security.
Password Best Practices
- • Use passwords with at least 16 characters
- • Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
- • Never reuse passwords across sites
- • Use a password manager
Two-Factor Authentication
- • Enable 2FA for all admin accounts
- • Use authenticator apps over SMS
- • Keep backup codes secure
- • Require 2FA for all users with editing access
Secure Your Login Page
The default WordPress login page at /wp-admin or /wp-login.php is a common target for brute force attacks.
- Limit Login Attempts: Use a plugin to block IP addresses after multiple failed login attempts.
- Change Login URL: Consider changing the default login URL to something unique.
- Add CAPTCHA: Implement CAPTCHA on your login form to prevent automated attacks.
- Disable XML-RPC: If you don't need it, disable XML-RPC to prevent related attacks.
Regular Backups
Even with the best security measures, things can go wrong. Regular backups ensure you can recover quickly if your site is compromised.
Backup Recommendations
- • Frequency: Daily for active sites, weekly minimum for others
- • Storage: Keep backups off-site (cloud storage, not on the same server)
- • Testing: Regularly test restoring from backups
- • Retention: Keep multiple backup versions (at least 30 days)
Additional Security Measures
Beyond the basics, consider implementing these additional security measures:
SSL Certificate
Ensure your site uses HTTPS. This encrypts data between your visitors and your server, protecting sensitive information like login credentials.
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF can block malicious traffic before it reaches your site, protecting against common attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
File Permissions
Set proper file permissions: 644 for files, 755 for directories. Never use 777 permissions as this allows anyone to read, write, and execute files.
Security Monitoring
Use a security plugin that monitors for file changes, malware, and suspicious activity. Set up alerts so you're notified immediately of potential issues.
Summary: Your Security Checklist
- 1Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated
- 2Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA
- 3Limit login attempts and secure your login page
- 4Set up regular, off-site backups
- 5Use SSL, WAF, and proper file permissions
- 6Monitor your site for suspicious activity
Recommended Security Tools & Plugins
Here are some trusted security plugins and tools we recommend to help protect your WordPress site:
Recommended Security Plugins
Login Protection & 2FA
Note: While these plugins can significantly improve your security, no single tool provides 100% protection. A layered security approach combining multiple measures is always best. Some links above may be affiliate links.
Security is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. By implementing these basic security measures and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WordPress site being compromised. If you need help securing your WordPress site or want a professional security audit, our team at Expeed Technology is here to help.